Marriage is one of the most sacred and meaningful relationships in life. It reflects love, unity, trust, and God’s divine plan for humanity. In a world with many voices and opinions about relationships, the Bible remains a timeless source of truth.
It offers comfort, clarity, and direction on what marriage was intended to be—one man and one woman coming together in covenant before God.
If you’re looking for reassurance, biblical teaching, or simply spiritual encouragement, these 35 Bible verses show how God designed marriage and what it means to honor that relationship with love, faithfulness, and purpose.
35 Bible Verses About Marriage Between a Man and a Woman
1. Genesis 2:24
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Explanation: This foundational verse defines marriage as a lifelong bond between one man and one woman, united as one by God.
2. Matthew 19:4-5
Haven’t you read…that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife…’?
Explanation: Jesus confirms God’s original design for marriage by quoting from Genesis, showing it’s still relevant.
3. Mark 10:6-9
But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ …Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Explanation: Marriage is a divine institution created by God, and it’s meant to be protected and honored.
4. Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
Explanation: A godly marriage is seen as a blessing and a gift from God.
5. Ephesians 5:31
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
Explanation: Paul reinforces the sacred bond between a husband and wife, rooted in God’s original plan.
6. Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure…
Explanation: Marriage is not just a social contract but a holy commitment that deserves respect and purity.
7. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one…If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Explanation: Marriage brings partnership and support, showing why the union of two people is powerful and meaningful.
8. 1 Corinthians 7:2
But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.
Explanation: Paul teaches that marriage is the proper context for intimacy—between a man and a woman.
9. Malachi 2:14-15
…the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth…guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
Explanation: God takes marriage seriously and calls for faithfulness between husband and wife.
10. 1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…
Explanation: God commands men to honor and value their wives with love and care.
11. Colossians 3:18-19
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands…Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Explanation: Both partners in marriage are called to love and respect each other in different but equally important ways.
12. Song of Songs 2:16
My beloved is mine and I am his…
Explanation: Marriage includes deep affection and belonging between husband and wife.
13. Genesis 1:27-28
So God created mankind in his own image…male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number…”
Explanation: From the beginning, God made man and woman to complement each other and form families.
14. Matthew 5:32
But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery…
Explanation: Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of the marriage covenant and God’s desire for lifelong faithfulness.
15. 1 Corinthians 11:11-12
Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.
Explanation: This verse highlights mutual dependence and equality within the male-female relationship.
16. Genesis 24:67
Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah…
Explanation: A biblical example of marriage formed with love, respect, and God’s guidance.
17. Ruth 1:16-17
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay…
Explanation: Although spoken between Ruth and Naomi, this verse reflects the loyalty and commitment expected in marriage.
18. Proverbs 5:18-19
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Explanation: Marriage should be joyful and cherished through the years.
19. Titus 2:4-5
Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children…
Explanation: Paul encourages older women to teach younger women how to love their families well.
20. Deuteronomy 24:5
If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war…he is to stay home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.
Explanation: God values the beginning of marriage and commands the husband to nurture his wife.
21. Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh…
Explanation: Marriage creates a unity that goes beyond physical connection—it’s spiritual.
22. Song of Songs 8:6-7
…Love is as strong as death…Many waters cannot quench love…
Explanation: Marital love is powerful, deep, and enduring.
23. Mark 10:7
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife…
Explanation: A man and a woman are called to form a new family unit under God.
24. Ephesians 5:22-25
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands…Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…
Explanation: This passage models sacrificial love and submission in marriage—each with a divine purpose.
25. 1 Timothy 3:2
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife…
Explanation: Faithfulness in marriage is a qualification for spiritual leadership.
26. Romans 7:2
…a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive…
Explanation: Marriage is a lifelong covenant in God’s eyes.
27. Genesis 2:18
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Explanation: God created woman to be a perfect companion for man, highlighting the design of marriage.
28. Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown…
Explanation: A godly wife is a blessing and brings honor to her husband.
29. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
…A wife must not separate from her husband…and a husband must not divorce his wife.
Explanation: God desires reconciliation and unity in marriage rather than division.
30. Leviticus 18:22
Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.
Explanation: God clearly outlines sexual relations as reserved for a man and woman in the context of marriage.
31. Psalm 128:3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house…
Explanation: This verse paints a beautiful picture of a blessed home centered around marriage and family.
32. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Flee from sexual immorality…You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Explanation: Our bodies and relationships are meant to honor God, including within marriage.
33. Exodus 20:14
You shall not commit adultery.
Explanation: Faithfulness in marriage is part of God’s moral law for His people.
34. Matthew 19:8
Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.
Explanation: Jesus affirms that God’s original design for marriage was lifelong commitment.
35. Revelation 19:7
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
Explanation: Earthly marriage is also a symbol of Christ’s relationship with His church—a model of faithful love.
Conclusion
Marriage is a sacred gift from God, designed to unite a man and a woman in love, faith, and lifelong commitment. These 35 Bible verses affirm that truth and provide both guidance and encouragement for those seeking to honor God through their relationships.
Whether you are married, preparing for marriage, or reflecting on its meaning, the Bible offers wisdom that is timeless and deeply relevant.
Which of these verses stood out to you the most? Share your thoughts, favorite scriptures, or personal insights in the comments below. Let’s grow in understanding and faith together as we seek to honor God’s design for marriage.